Rotating warning light with an integrated spotlight

ABSTRACT

A rotating warning light intended to be mounted on the roof of a vehicle which includes four rotating lightbulbs facing outwardly in four different directions. Three of the lightbulbs have colored lenses, e. g., red or blue, and the remaining lightbulb has a clear lens defining a spotlight under certain conditions. The device includes structure for (1) remotely moving the spotlight about a horizontal axis so the beam therefrom may be lowered or raised; (2) continuous operation of the four lightbulbs simultaneously while they rotate, thus providing a highly conspicuous wig-wag effect; (3) selectively reversing the direction of rotation of the platform supporting the four lightbulbs, thus facilitating optimum maneuverability of the spotlight; (4) continuous operation of the spotlight while simultaneously flashing the colored lights, thus providing a warning signal while utilizing the spotlight feature; (5) continuous operation of the spotlight while the colored lights are off, thus providing for an improved power-assist highly maneuverable spotlight having unobstructed 360* utilization.

United States Patent 1 Freeman 1 May 8,1973

William D. Freeman, 3640 Overton Crossing, Memphis, Tenn. 38127 [22]Filed: May 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 141,262

[76] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl. ..340/50, 240/24, 240/416, 240/61.13, 340/81 R, 340/92[51] Int. Cl ..B60q l/52, F21m 3/00 [58] Field of Search ..340/25, 49,50, 76, 340/84, 87, 89, 92, 133, 366 D, 373; 240/7.1 E, 49

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,317,023 9/1919 Koehler..240/49 2,099,975 11/1937 Hackman ..340/49 2,460,585 2/1949 Kennelly340/50 UX 2,699,536 1/1955 Roth et al. .....340/5O X 2,719,281 9/1955Roth et al ..340/25 2,823,366 2/1958 Schmitz ..340/49 3,117,302 1/1964Cardarelli et al. .....340/50 3,537,066 10/1970 Stingl ..340/25 PrimaryExaminer.lohn W. Caldwell Assistant Examiner-Kenneth N. LeimerAttorney-John R. Walker, 111

[57] ABSTRACT A rotating warning light intended to be mounted on theroof of a vehicle which includes four rotating lightbulbs facingoutwardly in four different directions. Three of the lightbulbs havecolored lenses, e. g., red or blue, and the remaining lightbulb has aclear lens defining a spotlight under certain conditions. The deviceincludes structure for (l) remotely moving the spotlight about ahorizontal axis so the beam therefrom may be lowered or raised; (2)continuous operation of the four lightbulbs simultaneously while theyrotate, thus providing a highly conspicuous wig-wag effect; (3)selectively reversing the direction of rotation of the platformsupporting the four lightbulbs, thus facilitating optimummaneuverability of the spotlight; (4) continuous operation of thespotlight while simultaneously flashing the colored lights, thusproviding a warning signal while utilizing the spotlight feature; (5)continuous operation of the spotlight while the colored lights are off,thus providing for an improved power-assist highly maneuverablespotlight having unobstructed 360 utilization.

13 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PAIENTEDHAY 8191s sum 1 BF 3 INVENTOR.WILLIAM 0. FREEMAN PATENTED HAY 81915 3'. 732 537 SHEET 2 OF 3 75 73a 99IOI IO 73e 978 970 97b 97c 97a INVENTOR.

WILLIAM D. FREEMAN PATENIEDHAY' 81m SHEET 3 [IF 3 FIG. 4

flIlc I N VE N TOR. WILLIAM D. FREEMAN ROTATING WARNING LIGHT WITH ANINTEGRATED SPOTLIGHT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of theInvention This invention relates to rotating warning lights for use withemergency type vehicles.

2. Description of the Prior ARt A patent search disclosed the followingpatents: the Heehler U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,121; the Roth et al. U.S. Pat.No. 2,699,536; the Kennelly U.S. Pat. No. 2,762,994; and the Cardarelliet al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,117,302. The Heehler U.S. Pat. No. 2,677,121 andthe Roth et al. U.S. Pat. No. 2,699,536 both pertain to a combination ofa warning or, a signal light and a headlight for vehicles. The KennellyU.S. Pat. No. 2,762,994 and the Cardarelli et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,117,302 patents both pertain to rotating signal lights.

Incorporating a warning light with headlights has distinctdisadvantages, e. g., the signal or warning light is visible from thefront of the vehicle only and is of insufficient height to be readilyvisible even to approaching traffic, i. e., the lights could beobstructed by other vehicles.

The Kennelly U.S. Pat. No. 2,762,994 and the Cardarelli et al. U.S. Pat.No. 3,117,302 patents disclose structure which is currently utilized ona widespread basis on emergency type vehicles.

Certain rotating signal lights known to the applicant include aplurality of colored lights and one clear light. This clear lightoperates in unison with the colored lights to provide a wig-wag effect,i. e., the intermittent white incandescent flash attracts more attentionthan the colored bulbs. Usually, clear sealed beam lightbulbs areutilized in a rotating signal light and the weatherproof dome is coloredto give the desired effect, i.e.,

blue or red. Obviously, in orderto achieve the wig-wag effect it isnecessary that the weatherproof dome be clear and that the color be,achieved by selecting sealed beam bulbs having the desired coloredlenses.

Many emergency type vehicles include one or two spotlights in additionto the rotating signal light. The usual location for a spotlight isadjacent the front doorpost. A spotlight so located is limited inazimuth since the vehicle to which it is attached creates an obstructionin directing the beam rearwardly. A further disadvantage is that themoving parts of the spotlight are exposed to the weather and tend tocorrode and bind resulting in difficult operation thereof and frequentmalfunction or breaking of the fragile-parts.

A third disadvantage to the conventional spotlight is that thespotlights and other apparatus peculiar to the emergency type vehicleare removed when the vehicle is disposed of, i. e., to be replaced onthe new vehicle. The labor involved in the replacementof conventionalspotlights and the other apparatus is rather expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed towardsovercoming the disadvantages and problems relative to previous rotatingwarning lights and/or spotlights. The concept of the presentinventiontis to integrate a spotlight with the rotating warning light.

A prerequisite for a rotating warning light used on emergency vehiclesis. that it be simple to operate so that the driver of the vehiclewillnot become confused in the operation thereof. Conventional switches andother control apparatus known by the applicant could be used to operatean integrated spotlight and warning light. However, any degree ofconfusion in the operation thereof would greatly negate the practicalityof the device.

Accordingly, an important feature of the present invention is mycomposite switch having a single handle for actuating four separatemicro single pole double throw switches in conjunction with structureyet to be disclosed.

The present invention comprises grouping a plurality of lightbulbshaving colored lenses, e. g., preferably three red or blue bulbs, and atleast one lightbulb having a clear lens defining a spotlight undercertain conditions. The device includes: (1) a horizontal or azimuthmotor for rotating the plurality of lights about a vertical axis; (2) anelevation motor for remotely pivoting the spotlight about a horizontalaxis so the beam therefrom may be lowered or raised; (3) structureproviding for continuous operation of the entire group of lightbulbssimultaneously while they rotate, thus providing a highly conspicuouswig-wag effect; (4) structure for selectively reversing the direction ofrotation of the elevation and azimuth motors, thus facilitating optimummaneuverability of the spotlight; (5) structure providing for continuousoperation of the spotlight bulb only, while simultaneously flashing thecolored lights, thus providing a warning signal while utilizing thespotlight feature; (6) structure providing for continuous operation ofthe spotlight bulb only, while the colored lights are off, thusproviding for an improved power-assist highly maneuverable spotlighthaving an unobstructed 360 azimuth and substantially elevationutilization.

The above functions are not feasible if the operator of the vehicle isexpected to operate numerous switches in order to. accomplish thedesired result, e. g., one switch for the elevation motor, anotherswitch for the horizontal motor, and other switches for the operation ofthe lights.

In other words, feasibility of the above enumerated functions primarilydepends on implementing my composite switch, which is an importantfeature of this invention. The composite switch comprises grouping aplurality of microswitches in an unusual manner. In other words, thegroup of microswitches are radially arranged with the respectivetripping mechanisms thereof directed inwardly, defining a socketcentrally thereof. The switches are fixedly attached one to the other,and an elongated lever or handle is positioned within the socket andpivotally attached for universal movement within the socket so thatmanipulation thereof causes a portion of the lever to selectively engageeach of the tripping mechanisms separately or causes the portion thereofto simultaneously engage an adjacent pair of the tripping mechanisms.The microswitches are connected to the elevation and azimuth drivemotors in such a manner that side to side movement of the lever causesthe azimuth drive motor to rotate in a forward or reverse directionrespectively and up and down movement of the lever causes the elevationdrive motor to rotate in a forward or reverse direction respectively.Accordingly, the elevation and azimuth drive motors both may be operatedsimultaneously when the lever is moved diagonally. This provides theoperator with a very simple and effective way of quickly causing thebeam of the spotlight to be directed in any desired direction. 1

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a vertical section takennear the center of the warning light of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the light of the present invention shown withthe uppermost portion of the transparent dome broken away for clarity.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken as on the line III-III of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view taken as on the line IV-IV of FIG. 2showing the spotlight and the elevational drive motor for tilting thespotlight about a horizontal axis.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration showing the various electricalcomponents of the device of the present invention and theinterconnections thereof.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the composite switch of the present invention,showing the lever engaging one of the plurality of microswitches.

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the lever engaging anadjacent pair of microswitches.

FIG. 8 is a vertical section taken near the center of the compositeswitch showing the support structure for the lever in a preferred normalposition between opposite microswitches.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The rotating warning lighthaving an integrated spotlight of the present invention is characterreferenced herein by the numeral 11 and is intended to be mounted on theroof of an emergency vehicle or the like. The warning light or device 11of the present invention generally comprises a plurality of coloredlightbulbs 13, e. g., preferably three, and at least one clear lightbulb15, all of which are mounted on a rotating platform 17. The device 11also includes a base 19 which preferably is attached to a surface S, e.g., the roof of a vehicle (not shown), a horizontal or azimuth drivemotor 21 fixedly attached to the base 19 for rotatably driving theplatform 17, an elevation drive motor 23 fixedly attached to theplatform 17 for selectively driving the clear lightbulb about ahorizontal axis, and control apparatus interconnecting certain of theabove components with a power source, e. g., a battery 25 or the like,for selectively operating the colored light-bulbs 13, the clearlightbulb 15, the azimuth drive motor 21, and the elevation drive motor23. An important feature of the present invention is my composite switch27, as best viewed in FIGS. 5 8 of the drawings and which will be fullyappreciated and more apparent when the remaining structure has beendisclosed.

The colored lightbulbs 13 are fixedly attached to the platform 17 in anywell known manner, e. g., like that shown in the Cardarelli et al. U.S.Pat. No. 3,117,302. It should be understood that the colored lights 13are symmetrically arranged on the platform 17 so that the beamstherefrom are directed outwardly from the device 11 in as many differentdirections as there are lights 13. A pair of platelike members 29,having the lower ends thereof fixedly attached to the platform 17 in anywell known manner, as by welding or the like, are directed upwardly fromthe platform 17 so as to straddle suitable frame structure for receivingthe lightbulb 15, e. g., like that shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,1l7,302.

The clear lightbulb 15 is pivotally attached to the platelike members 29by a pair of horizontally disposed pivot pins 31, as best viewed inFIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings.

From FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be seen that the device 11preferably includes a transparent dome 33. The dome 33, preferablyformed from plastic or the like, is removably attached to the base 19 byan annular band 35. The band preferably includes a trunk-type latch 37(FIG. 2) facilitating quick removal of the dome 33, in a manner obviousto those skilled in the art.

From FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, it may be seen that the clear light15 is positioned closer to the center of the device 11 than are thecolored lightbulbs 13 so that the clear bulb 15 will not come in contactwith the dome 33 when being pivoted about the pivot pins 31 in a manneryet to be disclosed.

From FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be seen that the azimuth drive motor21 is suitably attached to the base 19 and includes a rotating worm gearshaft 39 meshingly engaging a spur gear 41 which is fixedly attached tothe one end of a vertically disposed shaft 43, all of which being in amanner obvious to those skilled in the art, e. g., like that shown inthe U.S. Pat. No. 3,l 17,302.

A sleeve 45 is fixedly attached to the underneath side of the platform17 centrally thereof as by welding or the like. The sleeve 45 receivesthe upper end of the shaft 43 and is suitably secured thereto in anywell known manner, e. g., a set screw 47 received in a threadedtransversal bore 49 in the sleeve 45.

From the foregoing, it should now be apparent that energizing theazimuth drive motor 21 causes the platform 17 to rotate about a verticalaxis and the lights l3, l5 and the elevation drive motor 23, beingmounted on the platform 17, are carried therewith. The azimuth drivemotor 21 preferably is a typical permanent magnet type so that thedirection of rotation thereof may readily be reversed for reasons yet tobe disclosed.

One end of a tension spring 51 is swingably received in an aperture 53adjacent the lowermost portion of the structure supporting the clearbulb 15 and the other end thereof is swingably received in a secondaperture (not shown) in the platform 17. The spring 51 yieldably urgesthe bulb 15 to rotate about the pivot pins 31 so as to tilt the beamtherefrom downwardly or cause the bulb 15 to rotate in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in FIGS. 1 and 4 of the drawings.

From FIG. 4 of the drawings, it may be seen that mechanical linkageconnects the upper portion of the structure supporting the bulb 15 withthe elevation drive motor 15. In other words, numerous well knowntechniques may be employed for connecting the output of the motor 23 soas to cause the bulb 15 to be driven about the pivot pin 31, however, Iprefer that the motor 23 be arranged substantially as illustrated inFIG. 4 with the rotating axis thereof being vertically disposed with thelower portion thereof resting on the platform 17.

Additionally, the motor 23 is conveniently secured to the platform 17 inany well known manner, e.g., a pair of outwardly directed lugs 55, beingfixedly attached to the motor 23 as by welding or the like, are providedwith apertures (not shown) for receiving suitable rivets or bolts 57 ina manner well known to those skilled in the art. Also, it will beunderstood that motor 23 is an extremely high torque low speedintegrated gear motor.

Further, an elongated rigid arm 59 is fixedly attached to a rotatingoutput shaft 61 of the motor 23 in any well known manner, e. g., theinner end of the arm 59 may conveniently be attached to a sleeve 62which is received by the shaft 61 and secured thereto by suitable setscrews (not shown) or thelike in a manner obvious -to those skilled inthe art. An aperture 63 adjacent the uppermost portion of the structuresupporting the bulb receives the one end of a wire rope member 65 or thelike having the one end thereof doubled back and secured to an adjacentportion by a clamp 66, in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art.

Further yet, the opposite end of the wire rope member 65 is fixedlyattached to the rigid arm 59 adjacent the outer end thereof in any wellknown manner, e. g., like that explained for the first end, using asecond clamp 66 or the like. It should be understood that the outer endof the arm 59 includes a larger diameter portion 64 which is providedwith a suitable annular recess for receiving a looped portion of thewire rope member 65.

From the foregoing, it should now be apparent that energizing theelevation drive motor 23 in one direction will cause the lightbulb 15 torotate about the pivot pins 31 so as to tilt the beam therefrom upwardlyto a position substantially as depicted in FIG. 4 and characterreferenced by the numeral 15'. Further, energizing the motor 23 in theopposite direction or clockwise, as viewed in FIG. 2, will allow thespring 51 to rotate the lightbulb 15 to a position illustrated in solidlines in FIG. 4 of the drawings.

It should be understood that numerous well known techniques may beutilized in conjunction with the motor 23 for tilting the lightbulb 15without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.Additionally, I prefer that the motor 23 also be a typical permanentmagnet type so that the direction of rotation thereof may be readilyaccomplished for reasons just disclosed.

It may be desirable that the bulb 15 be provided with dual filaments. Inother words, a first filament 69 is arranged therein to project a narrowbeamed spotlight therefrom and a second filament 71 is arranged thereinto project a broad beamed floodlight therefrom, the filaments 69, 71being selectively operated independently in a manner yet to bedisclosed.

From FIGS. 1 3 of the drawings, it may be seen that electrical power istransmitted to the just-disclosed apparatus mounted on the rotatingplatform 17 by incorporating a slip ring assembly 67. The slip ringassembly 67 comprises a plurality of highly conductive ring members 73a73c formed from brass or the like, an insulated annular plate member 75fixedly attached to the base 19, and an insulated blocklike member 77fixedly attached to the platform 17 for supporting a plurality of carbonbrush members 79a 79e or the like. In other words, the respective ringmembers 73a 73 have coacting brush members 79a 79e and the ring members73a 73c are arranged in a single plane at a spaced apart distanceconcentrically inward one from the other and are fixedly attached to theinsulated plate member 75, in a manner obvious to those skilled in theart. Additionally, the respective brush members 79a 79e are received inbores 81a 81e, i. e., the bores 81a Sle being in the member 77 atpredetermined spaced apart distances, so as to slidingly engage a singleone of the ring members 73a 73c as the platform 17 rotates. Further, therespective brush members 79a 792 are urged outwardly from the bores 81a81e by a like number of compression springs 83a 83e.

Stated another way, the compression spring 83a urges the brush member79a outwardly from the bore 810 so as to engage the brush 79a with thering member 73a. The compression spring 83b urges the brush 79boutwardly from the bore 81b so as to engage the brush 79b with the ringmember 73b, etc., for like members having suffixes c, d and e, as bestviewed in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

The platform 17 is provided with a plurality of apertures 85a 85e forrespectively receiving a plurality of conductors 87, 89, 91, 93, and 95.One of the ends of the respective conductors 87 are fixedly attached tothe brush members 79a 79e in a manner obvious to those skilled in theart. The platelike member 75 is provided with a plurality of apertures97a 972 for respectively receiving a plurality of conductors 99, 101,103, and 107. It should be understood that the base 19 is provided withrespective apertures suitably aligned with the apertures 97a 97e whichalso respectively receive the conductors 99 107. One of the ends of eachof the conductors 99 107 are respectively connected to the ring members73a 73e in a typical manner as by soldering or the like.

From FIG. 1 of the drawings, it may be seen that the device 11preferably includes an annular resilient gasket 109. The gasket 109preferably has a U-shaped cross sectional structure thereto for suitablyengaging the lowermost portion of the base 19 in a manner obvious tothose skilled in the art. The lowermost portion of the gasket 19 isintended to contiguously engage the mounting surface S in a manner whichkeeps the interior of the base 19 dry when the device 11 is exposed toadverse weather conditions, etc.

Particular attention is now directed towards FIGS. 6 8 of the drawingswherein it may be seen that the composite switch 27 includes a pluralityof individual microswitches 1 1 1a 1 1 1d. The switches l 1 1a l 1 1drespectively have typical tripping mechanism or plungers 1 13a 1 13dwhich open and close certain contacts in a manner obvious to thoseskilled in the art. The switches 111a 111d, being typical single poledouble throw type, are radially arranged with the plungers 113a 113dthereof being inwardly directed and are fixedly attached one with theother in any well known manner, e. g., I prefer an epoxy bonding agent115 (FIG. 7) or the like. This arrangement of the microswitches 11 1defines a socket 117 centrally thereof for receiving an elongated lever1 19.

From FIG. 8 of the drawings, it may be seen that the lever 117 includesa ball 121 defining the lowermost portion thereof. The ball 121 isreceived between abutting platelike members 123, 125, i. e., theplatelike 7 members 123, 125 respectively are provided with partialsockets 127, 129 which, when brought together, form a substantiallycomplementary socket conforming to the ball 121.

Accordingly, the upper end of the lever 119 projects outwardly of thesocket 117 so that universal movement thereof may be effected. In otherwords, manipulation thereof causes a portion intermediate the ends ofthe lever 119 to selectively engage each of the plungers 113a 113dseparately as in FIG. 6 wherein the lever 119 is shown engaging theplunger 113d. Additionally, manipulation of the lever 119 may also causethe inter mediate portion thereof to simultaneously engage an adjacentpair of the plungers 113a 113d, e. g., as in FIG. 7 wherein the lever119 is shown engaging and depressing the plungers 113a, 113dsimultaneously. Obviously, depressing any one or a pair of the plungers113a 113d moves the internal structure of the appropriate switch, i. e.,changes the connection from one throw to the other, in a manner obviousto those skilled in the art and as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 of thedrawings.

It should be understood that the plungers 113a 113d are urged outwardlyaway from the main body portion of the switches 111a 1112, i. e.,towards the center of the group of switches 111a 11 1e, as viewed inFIG. 5, by the usual springs associated with microswitches. However, thesprings, being structure obvious to those skilled in the art, are notshown in the drawings. Accordingly, the lever 119 assumes a neutralposition substantially as depicted in FIGS. and 8 when manual force isnot applied thereto. Additionally, the internal structure of theswitches 111a 111d assumes a position as depicted for the switches 111a111d in FIG. 5 of the drawings when the lever 119 is in theaforementioned neutral position.

Particular attention is now directed toward FIG. 5 of the drawingswherein it may be seen that the device 1 1 includes a four pole doublethrow switch 131, a single pole single throw switch 133, a resistor 135,a PNP transistor 137, a capacitor 139, a pair of resistors 141, 143, arelay 145, and a single pole double throw switch 147. Additionally, therotating platform 17 is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 5 to betterillustrate the interconnection of the structure mounted thereon. Inother words, the slip ring assembly 67 connects the respectiveconductors 87, 99; 89, 101; 91, 103; 93, 105; and 95, 107 in a mannerpreviously described and best illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings.

The lever 119 of the composite switch 27 in FIG. 5 is shown in the aforementioned neutral position. A positive polarity is placed on one of thethrows of each of the switches 111a 1 11d, i. e., from a positiveterminal 149 for the battery 25. The battery 25, preferably having avoltage output of 12 volts or the like, has the negative terminalthereof grounded.

The opposite throws of the respective microswitches 111a 111d aregrounded. The common terminal for the switch 111a is connected to oneside of the elevation drive motor 23, i. e., through the conductors 89,101. The common terminal for the microswitch 1 1 1c is connected to theopposite side of the elevation drive motor 23, i. e., through theconductors 87, 99. Moving the lever l 19 upwardly (FIG. 5) throws theswitch 1 1 1a so that the conductor 101 is grounded. Conversely,

moving the lever 119 downwardly (FIG. 5) places a ground on theconductor 99. Accordingly, the direction of rotation for the motor 23can readily be reversed by moving the lever 119 in opposite directions,e. g., moving the lever 119 upwardly causes the outer portion 64 of thearm 59 to move towards the position 64 which in turn causes thelightbulb 15 to rotate about the pivot pin 31 towards the position 15,in a manner previously disclosed.

Stated another way, when lever 119 is moved upwardly current comes fromthe battery 25 to the ground and enters the switch 1 1 1a from theground terminal, thence across the switch 111a to the conductors 101,89, thence through the armature windings of the motor 23, thence throughthe conductors 87, 99, thence to the switch lllc, thence from the switch1 11c downwardly through a conductor 151 which is indirectly connectedto the positive terminal 149. It should now be obvious to those skilledin the art that moving the lever 119 downwardly causes current to flowin the opposite direction through the armature winding of the motor 23which causes the motor 23 to rotate in an opposite direction, e. g., themotor 23 drives the outer portion 64 of the arm 59 towards the positiondepicted by solid lines in FIG. 4 and the spring 51 urges the lightbulb15 towards the position as shown therein by solid lines. Further, therotation of the motor 23 may readily be accomplished as above describedirrespective of the positions of the switches 131, 133, 147 and/or therelay 145 yet to be described.

The various poles of the four pole double throw switch 131 mayhereinafter be identified one from the other, i.e., first poles 131a,second poles 131b, third poles 131e, and fourth poles 131d. The switch131 has two positions, i. e., a normal" position or spotlight offposition, as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, and a spotlight onposition. The switch 147 has a spotlight position as shown in FIG. 5 ofthe drawings and a floodlight position. The switch 133 has an offposition as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings, and a warning light onposition.

The pole 131a has one throw thereof connected to ground and one of thethrows of the poles l31b 131d are common one to the other and indirectlyare connected to a terminal of the switch 133, i. e., closing the switch133 places a positive voltage on the poles 133b 133d. The opposite throwof the pole 131a is connected to the common terminal of the microswitch111b, the opposite throw of the pole 131b is connected to one side ofthe resistor 135, the opposite throw of the pole 131c is indirectlyconnected to the positive terminal 149, and the opposite throw of thepole 131d is connected to a junction joining the resistors 141, 143. Theopposite side of the resistor 135 is connected to the common terminal ofthe microswitch 11 1d.

The common terminal of the pole 131a is connected to a terminal of theazimuth drive motor 21 and the other terminal of the motor 21 isconnected to the com mon terminal of the pole l31b. The common terminalof the pole 1310 is connected to the common terminal of the switch 147.The common terminal of the pole 131d is indirectly connected to acontact 153 of the relay and to one side of the lights 13, i. e., thelights 13 being connected in parallel one with the other and having therespective opposite terminals thereof grounded.

From the foregoing, it should now be apparent to those skilled in theart that when the switch 131 is in the normal position, that closing theswitch 133 energizes the lights 13, 15 and the motor 21. In other words,current leads the battery 25 through the ground connection and entersthe lights 13 through their respective grounds thence through theconductors 95, 107, thence through the pole 131d, thence through theswitch 133 to the positive side of the battery. Additionally, currentleaves the battery 25 through the ground terminal, thence enters thelight 15 through the ground terminal thereof, thence through theappropriate filament 69, 71, depending upon the position of the switch147, thence through the switch 147, thence through the pole 131e, thencethrough the switch 133 to the positive side of the battery 25. Further,current leaves the battery 25 through the grounded terminal thereof, andenters the pole 1314 through the grounded terminal thereof, thencethrough the pole 131a to the motor 21, thence through the armaturewindings of the motor 21, thence downwardly through the pole 131b,thence through the switch 133, thence to the positive side of thebattery.

Accordingly, when the switch 133 is in the warning light on position andthe switch 131 is in the normal position, the three colored lights 13and the clear light 15 rotate about a vertical axis and the lights 13,15 are illuminated which gives the illusion of flashing red lights withan intermittent clear or incandescent light, thus providing thepreviously described wig-wag effect. It should be pointed out that, ifdesired, the elevation drive motor 23 may be operated simultaneously soas to raise or lower the beam of the clear light 15 in a mannerpreviously described. This may be beneficial if the vehicle isapproaching a hill or for some other reason the vehicle operator wishesto raise the beam from the clear light 15, especially during the hoursof darkness. Further, the switch 147 may selectively be moved to theflood position which will energize the filament 71 rather than thefilament 69 so that the beam from the light 15 may be dispersed ratherthan concentrated in a narrow beam.

Placing the switch 133 in the off position and the switch 131 in thespotlight on position indirectly connects one side of the azimuth drivemotor 21 to the common terminal of the switch 111b, i. e., through thepole 131a. Additionally, the other side of the motor 21 is indirectlyconnected to the common terminal of the switch 111d, i. e., through thepole 131b and the resistor 135. Further, the clear lightbulb 15 isconnected to the positive terminal 149, i. e., through the switch 147and the pole 1310. Further yet, the junction point between the resistors141, 143 is indirectly connected to the contact 153 and the one side ofthe lights 13, i. e., through the pole 131d.

It should be understood that the resistor 135 is a voltage droppingresistor which under conditions yet to be described reduces the rpm ofthe azimuth drive motor 21. Various resistors would suffice for thispurpose, however, i prefer that the resistor 135 be substantially 30ohms and have a power rating of watts, i. e., those values are selectedfor a 12 volt power source or battery 25.

It should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that when theswitch 133 is in the off position, and the switch 131 is in thespotlight on position, spotlight is on but the azimuth drive motor 21ceases to rotate and the colored lights 13 are de-energized, i. e., thestructure connected by the pole 131d will be fully disclosed later inthe specification. According y. the composite switch 27 may now bemanipulated to energize the azimuth drive motor 21 in a forward orreverse direcn'on in a manner similar to that previously described forenergizing the elevation drive motor 23 in a forward or reversedirection. It should be pointed out that the resistor enables the motor21 to be operated by the switches lllb or 1110 at a slower rpm thanusual for enhancing the control of the spotlight.

More specifically, moving the lever 119 to the right, as viewed in FIG.5, causes the common terminal of the switch lllb to be grounded whichallows current to flow from the battery 25 through the ground, thencethrough the switch 111b, upward through the pole 131a, thence throughthe armature winding of the motor 21, thence downwardly through the pole131d, thence through the resistor 135, thence through the switch 111d,thence to the positive terminal 149 of the battery 25. This causes themotor 21 to rotate in a forward direction.

Conversely, moving the lever 119 to the left, as viewed in FIG. 5 causesthe common terminal of the switch 111d to be grounded which allowscurrent to flow from the battery 25 through the ground to the switch111d, thence through the resistor 135 upwardly thence through the pole131b, thence through the armature winding of the motor 21 (in anopposite direction), thence through the pole 131a, thence to the commonterminal of the switch 111b, thence to the positive terminal 149 of thebattery 25. This causes the motor 21 to rotate in a reverse direction.

From the foregoing, it should readily be observed that the compositeswitch 27 readily controls the azimuth and elevation of the lightbulb15, i.e., if the operator wants to raise the light, he moves the lever119 upwardly, if he wants to lower the light, he moves the lever 119downwardly, if he wants to move the light 15 to the left, he moves thelever 119 to the left, and if he wants to move the light to the right,he moves the lever 119 to the right. Additionally, the switch 27selectively may be operated in a diagonal direction for energizing theazimuth and elevation drive motors sirnultaneously, e. g., if theoperator wants to raise the light 15 and swing it around to the left atthe same time, he moves the handle 119 diagonally upwardly and to theleft, as best shown in FIG. 7 of the drawings. The other diagonalmovements of the switch 27 and the corresponding responses of theazimuth and elevation drive motors should now be obvious to thoseskilled in the art.

A conductor 155 has the one end thereof connected to a contact 157 ofthe relay and the other end thereof connected to a common point 159, i.e., the common point 159 being indirectly connected to one side of theswitch 133. When the switch 131 is in the spotlight on position, as justdescribed, closing of the switch 133 causes the colored lights 113 toflash on and off at a predetermined frequency. In other words, thecolored lights 113 are constantly flashing and the lightbulb 15 isenergized continuously, i. e., either the floodlight filament 69 or thespotlight filament 71 depending upon the position of the switch 147 aspreviously described.

The flashing of the colored lights 13 is accomplished by theinterconnection of the transistor 137, the capacitor 139, the resistors141, 143, and the relay 145. In other words, the lights are placed inseries with the resistor 141-, i.e., a small amount of current leavesthe battery through the ground terminal and enters the parallelarrangement of colored lights 13 through the respective ground terminalsthereof, thence through the conductors 95, 107, thence through the pole131d, thence upwardly to the junction of the resistors 141, 143, thenceupwardly through the resistor 141 establishing a voltage drop across theresistor 141, thence to the contact 157 of the relay 145, thencedownwardly through the conductor 155 to the common point 159, thencethrough the switch 133, and finally to the positive terminal 149 of thebattery 25 The voltage drop across the relatively high resistance of theresistor 141, as just described, causes the capacitor 139 to charge,i.e., the path of the charge being from the resistor 141 downwardlythrough the resistor 143 to one side of the capacitor 139, i. e., theother side of the capacitor 139 is connected to the positive side of theresistor 141. This places a negative voltage on the base of thetransistor 137 which causes the transistor 137 to conduct. It should bepointed out that the RC time constant of the capacitor 139 and theresistor 143 will determine the flashing frequency.

In other words, current leaving the battery 25 through the groundterminal enters the collector of the transistor 137 and departstherefrom through the emitter which is connected to one end of thewinding of the relay 145. The other end of the winding for the relay 145is connected to the contact 157 which has a positive voltage thereon aspreviously described. When the transistor 137 conducts, the relay 145 isenergized which completes the circuit between the contacts 153, 157.Closing the contacts 153, 157 in essence shorts out the resistor 141 sothat the resistor 141 no longer has a voltage drop. Accordingly, closingthe contacts 153, 157 places the full output of the battery 25 to thelights 13, i.e., current travels through the conductors 95, 107, thencethrough the contacts 153, 157, thence through the conductor 155 to thecommon point 159, thence through the switch 133, thence to the positiveterminal 149 of the battery 25. It should be understood that thetransistor 137 will conduct only as long as the charge remains on thecapacitor 139. The capacitor 139 is discharging at a predetermined ratedepending upon the values of the capacitor 139 and the resistor 143.lnnumerous values would be acceptable for this purpose, however, Iprefer that the capacitor 139 have a value of 550 mfd. and that theresistor 143 have a value of 470 ohms and a power rating of one-quarterwatt. In this regard, I also prefer that the resistor 141 have a valueof 1,000 ohms and a power rating of onequarter watt.

The capacitor 139 discharges downwardly therefrom, thence upwardlythrough the resistor 143, thence through the pole 131d out the commonterminal thereof, thence across the contacts 153, 157 of the relay 145,thence upwardly to the positive side ofthe capacitor 139. When thecharge on the capacitor 139 has diminished to the point that thetransistor 137 ceases to conduct, the relay 145 becomes de-energizedwhich instantly de-energizes the colored lights 13. Deenergizing therelay 145 opens the contacts 153, 157

which places the resistor 141 in series with the lights 13 causing avoltage drop across the resistor 141 again and the above describedsequence repeats itself at a predetermined frequency depending upon thevalues selected for the capacitor 139 and the resistor 143 as previouslydescribed.

From the foregoing, it should now be apparent that the operator may havefull control of the azimuth and elevation of the light 15, i. e., eitherspotlight or floodlight, while the colored lights 13 simultaneously areflashing at a predetermined frequency.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respectto a preferred embodiment thereof, it is not to be so limited sincechanges and modifications may be made therein which are within the fullintended scope of the present invention.

I claim:

1. A warning light for mounting on the roof of a vehicle comprising aplurality of colored lightbulbs and at least one clear lightbulb, aplatform, said colored and clear lightbulbs being arranged so that thebeams therefrom are directed outwardly in different directions, saidcolored lightbulbs being fixedly attached to said platform, base meansfor fixed attachment to the roof of the vehicle, said platform beingrotatably attached to said base means, an electrical power source, firstelectric motor means fixedly attached to said base means for rotatablydriving said platform, pivot means pivotally attaching said clearlightbulb to said platform for allowing free pivot of said clearlightbulb about a horizontal axis, second electric motor means fixedlyattached to said platform for selectively driving said clear lightbulbabout said horizontal axis; and control means connected between saidpower source and said colored and clear lightbulbs and between saidpower source and said first and second motor means for selectivelyoperating said colored lightbulbs, said clear lightbulb, and said firstand second motor means.

2. The warning light of claim 1 in which said control means includesswitch means connected between said power source and said first andsecond motor means for selectively operating said first and second motormeans.

3. The warning light of claim 2 in which said switch means comprises aplurality of microswitch means, each of said microswitch means havingplunger means for actuating said microswitch means, said plurality ofmicroswitch means being radially arranged with said plunger meansthereof being inwardly directed and each of said microswitch means beingfixedly attached one with the other defining a socket centrally thereof;and elongated lever means, said lever means being disposed within saidsocket, means pivotally mounting said lever means for universal movementthereof, one end of said lever means projecting outwardly of said socketso that manipulation thereof causes a portion of said lever means toselectively engage each of said plunger means separately or causes saidportion thereof to simultaneously engage an adjacent pair of saidplunger means.

4. The warning light of claim 3 in which said switch means is adaptedfor selectively reversing the direction of rotation of said first andsecond electric motor means.

5. The warning light of claim 4 in which an opposing first pair of saidmicroswitch means of said switch means respectively are interposedbetween said electrical power source and said first electric motor meansso that as said lever means engages one of said first pair of saidmicroswitch means said first motor means rotates in one direction and assaid lever means engages the opposite of said first pair of saidmicroswitch means said first motor means rotates in an oppositedirection.

6. The warning light of claim 5 in which an opposing second pair of saidmicroswitch means of said switch means respectively are interposedbetween said electrical power source and said second electric motormeans so that as said lever means engages one of said second pair ofsaid microswitch means said second motor means rotates in one directionand as said lever means engages the opposite of said second pair ofmicroswitch means said second motor means rotates in an oppositedirection.

7. The warning light of claim 3 in which said clear lightbulb comprisesa narrow beam spotlight, and said control means additionally includesmeans for operating said spotlight independently from said coloredlightbulbs and said microswitch means selectively operates respectivelysaid first and second electric motors in either direction of rotation.

8. The warning light of claim 7 in which said control means additionallyincludes means for simultaneously operating said spotlight, said coloredlights, and said first electric motor means continuously to display anillusion of sequentially intermittently flashing colored and clearincandescent beams of light.

9. The warning light of claim 6 in which said control means additionallyincludes means for intermittently operating said colored lightbulbs andfor simultaneously continuously operating said clear lightbulb.

10. The warning light of claim 9 in which said control meansadditionally includes means for operating said clear lightbulbindependently from said colored lightbulbs and includes resistor meansfor dropping a predetermined amount of voltage from said electricalpower source to said first electric motor means when energized by eitherone of said first pair of said microswitch means of said switch means sothat said first motor means rotates at a reduced RPM when said clearlightbulb is operated independently from said colored lightbulbs.

11. The warning light of claim 10 in which said clear lightbulb isprovided with dual filaments, one of said filaments being arrangedtherein to project a narrow beamed spotlight therefrom, the other ofsaid filaments being arranged therein to project a broad beamedfloodlight therefrom, and each of said dual filaments beingindependently selectively operated by said control means.

12. The warning light of claim 1 1 in which is included means fortransmitting electric power from said base means to said rotatingplatform.

13. The warning light of claim 12 in which said means for transmittingelectric power from said base means to said rotating platform comprisesa plurality of slip rings, insulated plate means fixedly attached tosaid base means, said slip rings respectively having coaeting brushmeans fixedly attached to said platform and insulated therefrom, saidslip rin being arranged in a single plane at a spaced apart stanceconcentrically 1nward one from the other and being fixedly attached tosaid insulated plate means.

1. A warning light for mounting on the roof of a vehicle comprising aplurality of colored lightbulbs and at least one clear lightbulb, aplatform, said colored and clear lightbulbs being arranged so that thebeams therefrom are directed outwardly in different directions, saidcolored lightbulbs being fixedly attached to said platform, base meansfor fixed attachment to the roof of the vehicle, said platform beingrotatably attached to said base means, an electrical power source, firstelectric motor means fixedly attached to said base means for rotatablydriving said platform, pivot means pivotally attaching said clearlightbulb to said platform for allowing free pivot of said clearlightbulb about a horizontal axis, second electric motor means fixedlyattached to said platform for selectively driving said clear lightbulbabout said horizontal axis; and control means connected between saidpower source and said colored and clear lightbulbs and between saidpower source and said first and second motor means for selectivelyoperating said colored lightbulbs, said clear lightbulb, and said firstand second motor means.
 2. The warning light of claim 1 in which saidcontrol means includes switch means connected between said power sourceand said first and second motor means for selectively operating saidfirst and second motor means.
 3. The warning light of claim 2 in whichsaid switch means comprises a plurality of microswitch means, each ofsaid microswitch means having plunger means for actuating saidmicroswitch means, said plurality of microswitch means being radiallyarranged with said plunger means thereof being inwardly directed andeach of said microswitch means being fixedly attached one with the otherdefining a socket centrally thereof; and elongated lever means, saidlever means being disposed within said socket, means pivotally mountingsaid lever means for universal movement thereof, one end of said levermeans projecting outwardly of said socket so that manipulation thereofcauses a portion of said lever means to selectively engage each of saidplunger means separately or causes said portion thereof tosimultaneously engage an adjacent pair of said plunger means.
 4. Thewarning light of claim 3 in which said switch means is adapted forselectively reversing the direction of rotation of said first and secondelectric motor means.
 5. The warning light of claim 4 in which anopposing first pair of said microswitch means of said switch meansrespectively are interposed between said electrical power source andsaid first electric motor means so that as said lever means engages oneof said first pair of said microswitch means said first motor meansrotates in one direction and as said lever means engages the opposite ofsaid first pair of said microswitch means said first motor means rotatesin an opposite direction.
 6. The warning light of claim 5 in which anopposing second pair of said microswitch means of said switch meansrespectively are interposed between said electrical power source andsaid second electric motor means so that as said lever means engages oneof said second pair of said microswitch means said second motor meansrotates in one dirEction and as said lever means engages the opposite ofsaid second pair of microswitch means said second motor means rotates inan opposite direction.
 7. The warning light of claim 3 in which saidclear lightbulb comprises a narrow beam spotlight, and said controlmeans additionally includes means for operating said spotlightindependently from said colored lightbulbs and said microswitch meansselectively operates respectively said first and second electric motorsin either direction of rotation.
 8. The warning light of claim 7 inwhich said control means additionally includes means for simultaneouslyoperating said spotlight, said colored lights, and said first electricmotor means continuously to display an illusion of sequentiallyintermittently flashing colored and clear incandescent beams of light.9. The warning light of claim 6 in which said control means additionallyincludes means for intermittently operating said colored lightbulbs andfor simultaneously continuously operating said clear lightbulb.
 10. Thewarning light of claim 9 in which said control means additionallyincludes means for operating said clear lightbulb independently fromsaid colored lightbulbs and includes resistor means for dropping apredetermined amount of voltage from said electrical power source tosaid first electric motor means when energized by either one of saidfirst pair of said microswitch means of said switch means so that saidfirst motor means rotates at a reduced RPM when said clear lightbulb isoperated independently from said colored lightbulbs.
 11. The warninglight of claim 10 in which said clear lightbulb is provided with dualfilaments, one of said filaments being arranged therein to project anarrow beamed spotlight therefrom, the other of said filaments beingarranged therein to project a broad beamed floodlight therefrom, andeach of said dual filaments being independently selectively operated bysaid control means.
 12. The warning light of claim 11 in which isincluded means for transmitting electric power from said base means tosaid rotating platform.
 13. The warning light of claim 12 in which saidmeans for transmitting electric power from said base means to saidrotating platform comprises a plurality of slip rings, insulated platemeans fixedly attached to said base means, said slip rings respectivelyhaving coacting brush means fixedly attached to said platform andinsulated therefrom, said slip rings being arranged in a single plane ata spaced apart distance concentrically inward one from the other andbeing fixedly attached to said insulated plate means.